Chapter 11

Five years passed in the blink of an eye.

When I received the appointment notification from headquarters, I was thrilled and immediately wanted to share the news with Russell. Unfortunately, he wasn't around—I heard he'd been summoned for a meeting at the base.

The evacuation mission

Chapter 12

Elijah Watkins has had a tough few years.

But that's none of my business, of course, since it was all for his dear first love.

When Ace Campbell got up to some mischief by the lake, Elijah ended up breaking his leg trying to save him.

Though he was praised for his courage afterward,

Chapter 13

Elijah Watkins still refused to give up. He even pulled strings through his parents, and the three of them came to visit mine, all eager and hopeful.

With Thanksgiving approaching, they brought a basket of fresh fruits and a pumpkin pie, showering my parents with compliments in an atte